If you’re craving a comforting, Southern-inspired dinner, this Smothered Chicken and Rice is exactly what you need. Juicy, pan-seared chicken is smothered in a rich, creamy gravy and served over fluffy rice for the ultimate cozy meal. It’s warm, hearty, and full of down-home flavor — the kind of dish that makes you feel instantly at home.
This one-pan dinner is easy enough for weeknights but delicious enough to serve on Sundays or when hosting family and friends. Simple ingredients, classic flavors, and a satisfying finish — it’s comfort food at its best!
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Flavorful – Golden chicken smothered in creamy gravy.
- Hearty & Filling – Served over warm, fluffy rice for a complete meal.
- One-Pan Recipe – Easy cleanup, all made in the same skillet.
- Family Favorite – Kid-approved and perfect for weeknights.
🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the chicken – Season chicken with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Make the gravy – In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add broth and cream, scraping up the browned bits. Stir until creamy.
- Smother the chicken – Return chicken to the skillet, cover with gravy, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
- Serve – Spoon chicken and gravy over warm rice, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!
🍴 Serving Tips
- Add steamed veggies (green beans, broccoli, or carrots) on the side.
- Serve with cornbread or biscuits for a Southern-style feast.
- Swap rice for mashed potatoes or egg noodles if you like.
Smothered Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season chicken with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up the browned bits.
- Stir to combine and bring to a simmer until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon gravy over the top.
- Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve chicken and gravy over warm rice. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Nutrition
Notes
From your stove to our hearts
share your delicious take!❓ FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well and cook faster.
Can I lighten this recipe?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! Make the chicken and gravy ahead of time, then warm it up and serve over freshly cooked rice.
📌 Final Thoughts
This Smothered Chicken and Rice is comfort food at its finest — juicy, tender chicken coated in a flavorful gravy and served over fluffy rice. It’s a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying, yet easy enough to make on a weeknight. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or hosting friends, this dish will always be a hit at the table. Cozy, delicious, and soul-warming — it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. 🍗🍚